Trump Announces Tiered Tariffs to Pressure Greenland Negotiations The president declared a 10 % tariff on February 1, rising to 25 % on June 1, against the United Kingdom and seven other NATO members until a purchase deal for Greenland is reached [1][2]. He framed the measures as “100 %” commitment to force a settlement and signaled that all eight allies—UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland—could face the levy [1]. The tariff schedule is intended to pressure negotiations while maintaining a “until‑deal” condition [2].

President Links Greenland Acquisition to U.S. National Security and NATO Trump repeatedly argued that U.S. control of Greenland would safeguard national security and reinforce NATO’s northern flank [1][3][4]. He claimed Denmark cannot adequately defend the island and warned that rival powers such as Russia or China could exploit a U.S.‑less Greenland [3][4]. The administration presented the bid as essential to both American and alliance security, citing a recent call with NATO secretary‑general Mark Rutte as evidence of allied awareness [1].

Denmark and NATO Allies Reject U.S. Threats, Bolster Regional Defense Denmark’s foreign minister warned that American threats will not alter Greenland’s sovereignty and emphasized that red lines must not be crossed [1]. In response, Denmark announced an expanded military presence in Greenland coordinated with NATO partners, underscoring regional resolve [3]. Both Denmark and other NATO members reiterated that any decision about Greenland belongs to Greenlanders and Danes, rejecting the use of trade pressure as a bargaining tool [1][4].

EU Mobilizes Counter‑Tariff Strategy and Calls Emergency Summit EU ambassadors discussed a retaliatory package worth up to €93 billion to counter U.S. tariffs, planning an emergency summit in Brussels to coordinate the response [1][2]. The bloc aims to present a calibrated “carrot‑and‑stick” approach, preserving unity ahead of Davos meetings while signaling willingness to use trade measures if Washington persists [2]. French and German finance ministers will meet before a broader EU finance‑minister gathering, highlighting a unified European stance against the Greenland bid [2].